Using the Green Bank Telescope, scientists could analyze how the waves from FRB20190520B alter their course when observed through a massive star’s atmosphere. Credit: NSF/GBO/P.Vosteen.
In a remote dwarf galaxy, an enigmatic cosmic object is emitting Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs). Recent research has shed light on the rare surrounding astronomical conditions of this source, characterized by undulating and twisting magnetic fields. This is the inaugural observation of a magnetic field inversion associated with an FRB, hinting that some FRBs may stem from binary star systems.
A cosmic object, nestled within a dwarf galaxy four billion light years away, generates brief energy bursts lasting only milliseconds. Fresh research into this Fast Radio Burst (FRB) has disclosed an unusual astronomical environment surrounding it. Here, magnetic fields ebb and flow and twist and turn over time. The first-ever detection of a magnetic field reversal from an FRB has been observed, marking the inaugural instance of this behavior being detected in another galaxy.
For years, astronomers have tirelessly sought the elusive origin of FRBs. A team of scientists at West Virginia University first discovered these enigmatic and brief radio pulses in 2007, the origin and cause of which remain unsolved puzzles of the universe.
An international collaboration led by Reshma Anna-Thomas, a graduate research assistant at West Virginia University, discovered the first evidence of a magnetic field inversion in an FRB. This discovery fortifies the notion that some FRBs may originate in binary systems, where two stars mutually orbit.
Anna-Thomas shared, “We hoped to uncover a high value of rotation measure, which would point to an intensely magnetized plasma environment. However, to our surprise, we discovered it to be highly variable and observed a reversal in the direction of the integrated magnetic field.”
Using the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) of the National Science Foundation, Anna-Thomas and her team observed FRB 20190520B for seventeen months. Although brief in astronomical terms, this period allowed the scientists to dive deeper into the intriguing characteristics of the FRB, such as a high local dispersion measure signifying a dense local environment, and a persistent radio source located with the FRB. Data collected by Australia’s Parkes Telescope, also known as Murriyang, bolstered their findings.
Never before have such violent turbulence and reversals been observed in cosmic magnetic fields. The closest example is a pulsar in our galaxy, in a binary system with a massive star. The team theorizes the observed magnetic properties of their FRB likely emanate from a turbulent corona of a massive star, providing a remarkable lens to observe the FRB binary. Sarah Burke Spolaor, a professor and astronomer at WVU, elaborates, “The wildly fluctuating plasma wind from the massive star’s atmosphere alters the magnetic field along our line of sight to the FRB source. Polarization happens when light waves oscillate in a specific orientation, which can be realigned by magnetic fields. This is how we managed to monitor the changing orientations of the light.”
Ryan Lynch, a GBO scientist who contributed to the study, adds, “GBT’s high sensitivity, its high-frequency observing capabilities, and its ability to record full polarization data, proved essential to the study. It’s one of the foremost telescopes for FRB research.”
For more on this discovery, refer to Twisted Magnetic Fields Discovered Around Mysterious Fast Radio Burst.
Reference: “Magnetic field reversal in the turbulent environment around a repeating fast radio burst” by Reshma Anna-Thomas et al., 11 May 2023, Science.
DOI: 10.1126/science.abo6526
Both the Green Bank Observatory and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory are prime facilities of the National Science Foundation, run under a cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
The Center for Gravitational Waves and Cosmology (GWAC) at West Virginia University addresses advanced astrophysics problems best tackled through interdisciplinary collaboration across physics, astronomy, mathematics, computer science, and engineering. The Center delves into the origins of the universe and fundamental processes involved in galaxy formation, stellar evolution, and star formation. Research, education, and outreach form the crux of their mission, supported by a collaborative network of experts.
Reshma Anna-Thomas and Sarah Burke Spolaor acknowledge support for their research from NSF grant AAG-1714897.
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Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about
What are Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs)?
Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) are brief bursts of energy that last only a few milliseconds. They are mysterious cosmic phenomena that were first discovered in 2007 and continue to puzzle scientists.
What did the recent research reveal about FRBs?
The recent research revealed that a particular FRB observed in a distant dwarf galaxy exhibited a rare astronomical environment. The magnetic fields surrounding the FRB were found to twist, turn, and even undergo a reversal, providing valuable insights into the nature and origin of FRBs.
Where did the research take place?
The research was conducted by an international team, led by a graduate research assistant at West Virginia University. They used the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) of the National Science Foundation to observe the FRB for a period of seventeen months.
What does the discovery of magnetic field reversal imply?
The discovery of a magnetic field reversal in the observed FRB suggests that some FRBs may originate in binary star systems. This means that these bursts could be produced within systems where two stars orbit each other.
How did the scientists study the FRB?
The scientists utilized the capabilities of the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) to observe the FRB for an extended period. They also analyzed data from Australia’s Parkes Telescope to strengthen their findings. The GBT’s high sensitivity and ability to record full polarization data were crucial for the study.
What is the significance of the magnetic field turbulence?
The extreme turbulence and reversals observed in the magnetic fields surrounding the FRB are unprecedented in the cosmos. This finding provides valuable insights into the behavior of magnetic fields in cosmic environments and deepens our understanding of the dynamics within these systems.
What are the implications of this research?
This research opens up new avenues for understanding the origins and mechanisms behind FRBs. By uncovering the connection between FRBs and binary star systems and gaining insights into the behavior of magnetic fields, scientists are making significant progress in unraveling the mysteries of these enigmatic cosmic phenomena.
More about
- “Twisted Magnetic Fields Discovered Around Mysterious Fast Radio Burst” (article): Link
- “Magnetic field reversal in the turbulent environment around a repeating fast radio burst” (research paper): Link
- Green Bank Observatory: Link
- National Radio Astronomy Observatory: Link
- West Virginia University’s Center for Gravitational Waves and Cosmology (GWAC): Link
3 comments
wow, dis article about dem Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) is super cool! I neva knew bout dem mysterious bursts dat only last a few milliseconds. Scientists rly tryin 2 figure out where dey come from. Fascinating stuff!
I’m totally mind blown by dis research on dem FRBs. Magnetic fields goin’ all twisty-turny and reversin’?! Dat’s some wild cosmic action happenin’ out there. Gotta give props to da scientists for uncoverin’ dis puzzlin’ phenomenon.
Finally, we’re gettin’ closer to solvin’ da mystery of dem Fast Radio Bursts. These bursts have puzzled scientists for years, but now they’ve discovered magnetic field reversals in ’em. It’s like solvin’ one puzzle just leads to more questions. Can’t wait to see what else dey uncover!